Afghan Woman Beats Depression, Now Teaches Tailoring

When depression took hold of Parisa's life earlier this year, the 25-year-old from northeastern Afghanistan felt she couldn't cope anymore. Unemployment, poverty, and separation from family made each day feel impossible.

In February 2026, Parisa walked into the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Ward at Faizabad Provincial Hospital in Badakhshan Province. It was the beginning of a six-month journey that would change everything.

The WHO-supported facility gave Parisa a complete care package: medical treatment, one-on-one counseling, and regular checkups to track her progress. Health workers paid by the European Union through WHO funding provided medicines, meals, and steady support.

Week by week, Parisa started feeling different. She learned healthy ways to handle stress and began believing in herself again. Her ability to manage daily tasks returned, along with something she'd lost: hope.

Today, Parisa works as an instructor at a tailoring workshop. She teaches others how to sew, helping them gain skills they can turn into income. "I am able to support others and feel useful again," she says. "I have hope for the future."

Why This Inspires

Parisa's recovery shows what happens when mental health care combines medical treatment with emotional support and regular follow-up. The integrated approach helps people not just feel better, but rebuild their entire lives.

Her transformation from barely coping to teaching others proves that mental health struggles don't have to be permanent. With the right support, people can recover their confidence, reconnect with their communities, and find purpose again.

Dr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative in Afghanistan, emphasizes that mental health services help individuals and communities bounce back from hardship. The partnership with the European Union ensures Afghans across the country can access the care they need.

Parisa now stands as living proof that recovery is real and accessible mental health support can truly transform lives.